Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs reopens after closure due to blue-green algae

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- After being closed for nearly three months, Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs' Memorial Park has reopened to recreational use as of Friday.

It was terrible timing for paddleboarders who wanted to cruise along the water for most of the summer, but the city had to close Prospect Lake on June 15 because of high levels of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

But just in time for Labor Day, the lake has reopened.

“Prospect Lake is a special place for our community, and we can’t thank residents and visitors enough for their patience while the lake has been closed,” said Karen Palus with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. “Safety is our priority, and we are committed to addressing the long-term health of Prospect Lake so that closures like we’ve experienced the last two years aren’t the norm. Thanks to three weeks of encouraging test results, we are incredibly pleased to be able to reopen the lake to recreational activities."

The city announced Friday that levels of the cyanobacteria have dropped to an acceptable level, which is below 8 micrograms per liter, though it's not completely gone. A test taken on Tuesday showed 3.96 micrograms per liter.

Blue-green algae produces a toxin that can be harmful to humans and pets. It's caused by conditions including sustained hot weather, stagnant water, and polluted stormwater runoff.